New look for family pub

Natalie Walker

An award-winning pub has re-opened after undergoing an extensive refurbishment.

The White Bull, in Alston, which recently took the crown for Best Customer Experience in the Daniel Thwaites Awards for Excellence 2016, has just completed a £100,000 investment.
A new bar and dining area have been created, walls have been removed and an original stone fireplace opened up which has made the pub brighter and more airy.
One of the other key features is the development of a secret garden at the front, which has a Mediterranean feel.
Licensee Alex Coward, who took over the tenancy in 2012, said: “It’s made exactly the difference I hoped – breathing new life into the pub.
“We’re really pleased with the changes and feedback from customers has been really positive.
“We’ve also used the opportunity to review our dining options and have added a new menu.”
Director of Pubs and Brewing at Daniel Thwaites, Andrew Buchanan, said: “The White Bull is a fantastic pub with great views and as its recent award showed, it already offers a great customer experience.
“The pub looked very traditional inside, with a lot of dark wood finishes and we wanted to give it a fresh, new look.
“The work carried out really has transformed the place – but it has retained that great character and warm welcome that has made it so popular since originally opening in the 17th century.
“With its new look, we are confident it will remain a firm favourite for the next four centuries.”